How to plant lavateras

Lavateras (Clementii) Barnsley Baby are pretty dwarf tree mallows bearing masses of white to soft pink saucer-shaped flowers with a darker eye. Especially suited for container planting, these charming hardy parennials will bring an array of pollinating insects to the garden throughout the summer. Try mixing them with asters, dahlias, hostas, nepetas or salvias. They make fantastic cut flowers and are drought tolerant once established.

Plant lavateras in well-drained soil in full sun — they will tolerate acid, neutral, alkaline conditions and will cope with seaside planting. Apply high potash feed every couple of weeks: if you garden organically, liquid seaweed is ideal as it is organic and comes from a sustainable source.

Lavateras (Clementii) Barnsley Baby are supplied in 9 cm pots. Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

Generally, this variety does not suffer from any serious pest problems, however, it can be affected by rust. Appearing in the form of bronze pustules on the underside of the leaves, this fungal disease can dramatically impact the appearance and strength of your lavateras. Since humidity promotes infection, avoid growing plants in areas with poor air circulation and water them first thing in the morning to allow their leaves to dry out quickly. Destroy any affected foliage.